Beautiful Bryce Canyon in Utah

One of my favorite spots to visit in Southern Utah is Bryce Canyon.  My favorite time of year there is spring time.  The weather is perfect and the snow has melted and everything is so green.  Bryce is breath taking as you view it from one of the viewing areas around the park. The rock formations appear to be very delicate with varying shades of red and orange, along with the green vegetation and the spectacular blue sky!!  If you choose to take one of the trails down into the canyon you will not be disappointed, the views from the floor of the canyon are from another perspective but just as breathtaking.

Sea Caves off Sand Island and Lake Superior Sunset

My husband and I recently spent a weekend in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wisconsin.  The Apostles is a series of 21 islands most of which are uninhabited.  It is truly a national treasure and is much loved by boaters, kayakers and campers.

The highlight of the trip for me was kayaking in the Sea Caves off Sand Island.  The sandstone is carved by the wave action from the lake.  It is spectacular!   We were lucky to have a fairly calm day (the waves on Lake Superior can be treacherous) and very much enjoyed our kayaking adventure.  We were told by some locals that the caves are even more spectacular in the winter – we will pass on that experience.

The sunsets were breathtaking and the stars – well there were so many it looked like the sky was dusted with light.

Mt. San Jacinto view from desert

May 21^st , 2011, 11 Orange County Hikers participated in their annual Cactus to Clouds (aka C2C) Hiking event staged in Palm Springs, California.

At 4 am 11 Hikers began the ascent of Mount San Jacinto, a 10,834 ft peak, from the art museum in Palm Springs Proper. Mt. San Jacinto is one of three mountain peaks in the southern California area that rise above 10,000 feet sea level.

Although the trail was moon-lit, many hikers wore lanterns to illuminate the trail; by sunrise most were at an elevation of 4000 ft. The hike has a total elevation gain of 11,000 ft – occasionally the trail descends and then climbs up again. Typically, Palm Springs temperatures can be in the 80 to 90 degree range early in the morning; fortunately, this day the temperature was 65 degrees. What does this mean? that the hike would require carrying less water. For me, I carried 4 liters instead of 5 – electrolyte enhanced. The added weight can take its toll. At the peak, temperatures can dip to below freezing due to wind chill and the snow that is still present on the ground – several feet deep. The required clothing, warm beanie, gloves, sweater or jacket, also add weight to the hikers pack.

Other preparation, prior to this hike the group climbed mount San Antonio (Mt. Baldy), a 10, 084 ft peak in the San Gabriel mountain range. 8,000 ft ascents can take their toll, but the altitude can play further havoc on a hiker causing fatigue, and altitude sickness. In addition, these hikes are typically 19 to 22 mile hikes that last 9 to 14 hours. High energy snacks are a must in order to keep the “drive” alive; I burned nearly 4500 calories.

Spring season is wonderful. The wild flowers are in full bloom and their aroma is delicious. Chipmunks and lizards scurry as we walk by, birds call in the distance; and, the vistas are remarkable. The desert highland is more alive than one would give it credit for. The pines that habitat the skyline have witnessed decades, if not centuries, of the rise and fall of other inhabitants of the desert. Windblown, braced against the weather, they stand, and fall. Grown from, and returned to, the Earth.

By 11 am most had reached the upper tram station at 8,300 ft; now, to the summit. A permit is required to summit the peak so a stop at the Ranger station is required. Hikers can get lost in the mountains and the rangers must account for all that attempt the hike. Although modern devices such as GPS trackers are used, orientation can be lost and should the sun set, a hiker can be caught out in the cold. If not prepared, this can be deadly.

In our group, I was the first to summit at 1:55 pm, nearly 10 hours after the group started. Many stop and rest, have lunch, change socks, and rub sore feet. Also, the trek across snow covered trails can require crampons or snow shoes.

The view from the San Jacinto peak on this day was incredible. The temperature was in the low 60s and did not require more than a tee shirt. The descent back down to the tram, where we would enjoy some stories when all returned, was tough on some sore feet, legs, and backs – but satisfying none the less due to the experience of achieving one of the North America’s toughest endurance hiking events – top 5 in the country.

What’s next? Summer is coming and some of the higher peaks will be planned for in the fall season – Whitney, Langley, Rainier.

But, for now, Cactus to Clouds, aka C2C, is a challenge met.

Until next year,

OC Hiker.

Sunset view from our balcony

My wife and I traveled to Maui for our nieces wedding and spent six nights at the Marriott resort in Wailea.  It was just wonderful.

I am a big Marriott fan and have stayed at a lot of their properties.  From my experience, I can say this is one of their very best!

The rooms are large and very comfortable.  Ours overlooked the adult serenity pool and had a really great ocean view.  Service was excellent and everyone we came in contact with friendly and helpful.  And, Maui is beautiful and relaxing!